Characterisation of a nanostepper driven optical shutter for application in free-space microoptics

Zawadzka, J. and Li, L. and Uttamchandani, D.G. (2004) Characterisation of a nanostepper driven optical shutter for application in free-space microoptics. IEE Proceedings Science Measurement and Technology, 151 (2). pp. 61-66. ISSN 1350-2344

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Abstract

A vertically self-assembled, fibre optic variable optical attenuator (VOA) incorporating a microshutter placed between the end faces of two closely spaced optical fibres is reported. The position of the microshutter with respect to the optical fibre end face was controlled by a nanostepping MEMS motor that was composed of a microactuator array and microsprings. Optical and mechanical tests were performed on the device. It was found that it is possible to obtain a 45 dB dynamic range with an attenuation time of 36 ms. A model of the microshutter was constructed as a plane plate structure with evenly distributed etch holes that are artefacts of the manufacturing process. Geometric and diffraction image analyses were performed and the attenuation characteristic of the system was assessed. It is thus shown that using commercially accessible foundries it is possible to fabricate a high precision VOA for free-space microoptics applications.

Creators(s): Zawadzka, J., Li, L. and Uttamchandani, D.G. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2362-4874;
Item type:Article
ID code:38267
Keywords:geometrical optics, micro-optics, microactuators, optical attenuators, optical fibre losses, optical fibres, stepping motors, Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Subjects:Science > Physics
Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
Faculty of Engineering > Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Depositing user: Pure Administrator
Date deposited:07 Mar 2012 12:01
Last modified:01 Jan 2021 08:45
URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/38267
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